Earth Institute
Earth Institute at Columbia University
Two central ideas animated the creation of the Earth Institute at Columbia University in 1995. The first was to promote basic understanding of earth system science, and the second was to apply that knowledge to decisions made by governments and businesses around the world.
Its stated mission is to address complex issues facing the planet and its inhabitants, with particular focus on sustainable development and the needs of the world's poor. The Earth Institute's activities are guided by the idea that science and technological tools that already exist could be applied to greatly improve conditions for the world's poor, while preserving the natural systems that support life on Earth. Today, the institute has become a world leader in the basic and applied knowledge required to achieve sustainability. It includes various research units and program